Simplify Expressions

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression in algebra?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce the expression to its simplest form, making it easier to work with.

Front

What are like terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms, while 2x and 2y are not.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

Front

What is the coefficient in an algebraic term?

Back

The coefficient is the numerical factor in a term. For example, in the term 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

What is the constant term in an expression?

Back

A constant term is a term that does not contain any variables. For example, in the expression 3x + 5, the number 5 is the constant term.

Front

How do you simplify the expression: 2x + 1 + 7x?

Back

Combine like terms: 2x + 7x = 9x, so the simplified expression is 9x + 1.

Front

What is the distributive property in algebra?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a term by each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

How do you apply the distributive property to simplify -7x + 5(1 - 8x)?

Back

Distribute 5 to both terms inside the parentheses: 5(1) - 5(8x) = 5 - 40x. Then combine like terms: -7x - 40x + 5 = 5 - 47x.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression: 3x + 2x?

Back

Combine like terms: 3x + 2x = 5x.

Front

How do you simplify the expression: -6x + 4(-x - 3)?

Back

First, distribute 4: 4(-x) + 4(-3) = -4x - 12. Then combine like terms: -6x - 4x - 12 = -10x - 12.